Ugandan Government Launches Comprehensive Diaspora Mapping Initiative

Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs, and other government agencies, in collaboration with the Diaspora Affairs Office, have initiated a diaspora mapping exercise. This initiative aims to identify, document, and analyze the demographics, skills, and networks of Uganda’s diaspora communities.

The exercise is led by Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi, Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs under the Office of the President. It will begin with regions including North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania.

According to Ambassador Walusimbi, the goal of diaspora mapping is to understand the size, distribution, and characteristics of Ugandan diaspora groups. Additionally, it seeks to explore how their potential can better contribute to both Uganda’s development and their own.

“Despite the significant contributions of over 4 million Ugandans in the diaspora, they face many challenges requiring targeted government attention and support. This global diaspora mapping will inform policy decisions,” noted Ambassador Walusimbi.

With support from the Office of the President, Ambassador Walusimbi and his team departed for the USA on Saturday, June 29, to commence this important task. They will start in the North American states of California, Massachusetts, Texas, and Illinois, among others.

“Next, we will head to Canada – specifically Toronto and Ottawa – to meet with various diaspora chapter members and assess their immediate and long-term needs to inform policy,” added Ambassador Walusimbi before departing for the USA.

The Ugandan diaspora community significantly impacts the country’s economy. In 2022, remittances from the diaspora reached $1.42 billion, a 13.4% increase from the previous year.

This initiative recognizes the diaspora’s investments in agribusiness, education, tourism, export promotion, commercial diplomacy, and other sectors, which have substantially contributed to Uganda’s economic growth and job creation.

The Ugandan government, under President Yoweri Museveni, established the Office of Diaspora Affairs to engage and support Ugandans living abroad. The objectives of the diaspora mapping include:

1. Establishing demographics, including population size, geographic distribution, age, gender, and occupation.
2. Identifying skill sets, education, qualifications, and professional expertise to facilitate knowledge transfer and innovation.
3. Building networks within the diaspora communities and with Uganda.
4. Enhancing remittance flows and ensuring value for money sent by the diaspora.
5. Exploring investment potential in businesses, real estate, and other ventures.
6. Gathering data to inform policy formulation and programs for engaging diaspora communities.

Challenges faced by the diaspora include cultural preservation, integration, access to resources and services, homesickness, voicelessness, isolation, lack of legal documents, remittances, loss of income to dishonest relatives, citizenship and residency rights, language issues, career growth, and quality housing.

“The government’s foreign missions, various diaspora leagues/associations, and task force committees will be crucial in supporting this effort. A detailed rollout plan will be shared soon. I extend my gratitude to our President and the entire government for their support and guidance to our diaspora communities,” said Ambassador Walusimbi.